Running with Asthma!

I HAVE BEEN an Asthma sufferer for 18 out of my 21 years, varying from it being quite serious when I was young girl to it being mild and controllable since I reached my mid-teens. Taking my inhalers everyday since I was 3 years old is the norm for me and I can’t remember life before Asthma. This doesn’t make me sad or angry, Asthma is a part of me and I’d like to think it makes me ‘special.’

My younger brother also had Asthma when he was a child but he ‘grew out’ of it and is now Asthma free. I do feel extremely fortunate that my Asthma is now manageable and that I’m one of the lucky few who haven’t been hospitalised due to an Asthma attack, but it is still annoying when I’m trying to exercise (and when I have to pay to get them from the chemist!)

During a crazy moment I decided that I wanted to run a 10k road race in Lincoln (on Sunday 21st March), something I had never done before and I was very wary that my Asthma could hold me back.

It has never stopped me in other sports before like when I’m swimming it hardly affects me but I knew from going to the gym and trying to run longer than 34 seconds on the treadmill that my lungs were not going to make training for the race easy.
I also knew that my general fitness was poor as well so I couldn’t blame my Asthma forever so I began my training for the 10k in January this year.

I can hear the Asthma Nurse now in my head telling me that if I’m out in cold weather (especially when it’s windy) to try and wear a scarf over my mouth to prevent me becoming as breathless as I do when walking through the cold.

Yet here I was, running round a cold miserable park on some of the coldest days of the year. I knew I had to keep it up or be at risk from getting frostbite in some very unpleasant places.

In the beginning I could run about ½ mile before becoming breathless and having to take a puff off my reliever inhaler (Ventalin). I tried to put off taking my Inhaler for as long as possible whilst running but when I was suffering from an extremely tight chest I had to reach for the Inhaler.

My friend (who is also Asthmatic) told me to take several puffs off my daily inhaler about 15 minutes before I began running so that it would open up my lungs before I even began running. To be honest I couldn’t feel any difference as I still needed a puff of my Ventalin after running a very small distance but I was willing to try anything.

Me taking a puff of my Ventalin inhaler



BEST BIT OF ADVICE

The best bit of advice I found for when I was out running was to not hunch over when running, to lean back and stick your chest out and always breathe through your mouth. Sounds simple enough doesn’t it? Believe me it’s like rubbing your tummy and patting your head at the same time!

Another good tip I came across is to make a pattern whilst breathing. One that I used was breath in in then out out (2 breaths at a time to maximise the oxygen getting into your lungs) , also trying to time your breathing in to music when you’re running can be good as well, just as long as your music isn’t ‘Pendulum’ as you may cause yourself to hyperventilate!

Just as I was gearing myself up for the big day, Sod’s Law struck me down with a head cold a week before my race. Usually when I get a cold it goes straight onto my chest due to my rubbish lungs, and then I’m suffering for weeks with a nasty chesty cough. But someone was on my side that week (sort of, they still gave me a horrible cold) as after 5 days I was just about snot free and still up to running on Sunday!

RACE DAY

On the actual day of the race, my Asthma didn’t actually cause me too many problems, I only had to stop once to get my Ventilin out of my legwarmer ( I was running in fancy dress, I don’t always run wearing bright yellow leg warmers honest!) and take a few puffs of Ventalin.

I was panicking that I would have to be picked up by the St. John’s Ambulance and be put straight on the Oxygen after collapsing after the first mile, but in fact it was my legs and feet that caused most problems whilst I was running not my Asthma at all.
I proved to myself that I can run and not let my Asthma make me doubt whether or not I can do something.
Yes I only have mild Asthma but it has definitely held me back in the past when it comes to sport (I’m still blaming it for me never winning, or coming in the top 10, during the 100 metre race in School Sport’s days!) but on Sunday I tried to relax, remember my breathing and it really helped me!

I also managed to raise over £100 for Asthma UK, who sent me a lovely green vest to run in on Sunday. I’m glad that at least a charity, who works closely with people like me, benefited from my pain and un-fitness!

I think I have proved that I’m the controller of my Asthma, it doesn’t control me! Actually looking forward to my next big run now!

Photos of the race!

Here is a run-down (nice little pun there) of race day in photographs. There isn't many of my actually running as my brother and Mum were only standing near the finish line and apparently I was running too fast past them! (Can you believe that too fast?!)


From the beginning:

Getting changed into our outfits at the side of the road!



That's the last smile I'd have on my face for a few hours. Little did I know what was in store for me...



Me and my Dad in our fetching outfits!



The only photo of me running near the finish (on the video you can see me more) I am there behind my Dad honest you can see my red joggy bottoms! I was just too fast to get a good shot, maybe I had smelt some hamburgers cooking across the finish line!



After walking another 10k to get back to where we had parked the car I did some more cool down stretches as my legs were in absolute agony at this point! I used my Dad's car to lean against to do some more stretches, handy his car being there! Thank God I didn't drive...





Me with my shiny medal! I'm so proud of it. It is now hanging in my bedroom for all to admire...






Me at my Grandma's house after the race. Don't laugh at my miserable face, I was tired and hurting all over and desperate for an alcoholic beverage and a massage.
I settled for a cup of tea, but I'm still holding out for my massage though...

I'VE DONE IT!!

TODAY I RAN MY 10K ROAD RACE!! I can't believe that I have actually completed it - I have a shiny medal to prove it as well as many embarrassing photos.

After a very early start this morning to get to Lincoln in time I had plenty of time to question why on earth I was putting myself through a running race! The more I thought, more butterflies gathered in my stomach!

Usually I go to watch my dad at these sort of races and I always love the atmosphere of everyone cheering each other on, so to be a part of it was a good feeling. As soon as I got there and got changed into my wonderful tutu the adrenalin kicked in and I actually got very excited about running the race!

The bad thing is that we got there really really early so we had like 2 hours to kill - which I used to do a few stretches and look at the competition around (haha yeah competition who I'm kidding Miss 'I've never ran a 10k before!') - I was trying to look as professional as I could dressed in a multi-coloured tutu and and bright green vest top.

Standing on a Sunday morning next to my dad, who was wearing a fetching orange wig, 2women dressed as Mike and Sully from 'Monsters Inc' and a fat bloke dressed as Superman! It was a surreal moment I tell ya!

When the klaxon sounded, I began to get pumped up and excited that this is it, I'm here now and I best bloody finish!!

Running that 1st kilometre was honestly really amazing, with the crowd cheering me on and my legs feeling fresh I felt good and getting a bit cocky was like 'Yeah I can do this!!'

Then came the pain.

Every step from the 3k mark onwards HURT.LIKE.HELL

Weirdly no chest pain and I wasn't particularly tired. I began to get that funny pain, when pins and needles are beginning, in my foot that kept coming and going over the next 7k. Running/walking on my tiptoes helped ease the strange sensation but it didn't go away. It was very strange I've never been afflicted by this pain whilst training before.

And then my legs gave out. My calves were (and still are) in absolute agony. I've had a bit of mild muscle pain but this just takes the biscuit. Pain, Pain, PAIN!

I still battled through though and bless my dad he walked with me when I couldn't run anymore. I feel a bit guilty as he's an amazing runner and could have lapped me several times if he had gone on without me.

His encouraging words and getting the crowd to cheer me on really helped me. If I had run on my own I would have been on the 'Sweeper bus' definitely before the half way mark. So hats off to him for getting me through the tough hour and a half.

After my legs gave out, I got angry at myself, I even got a few disappointed tears in my eyes at the frustration at myself when I really wanted to run at least double what I actually managed to run. I felt like I had let myself down by letting my body win over my mind. In hind sight yes I should have done more training (I should have started last April seriously) to get me up to a comfortable jogging pace at least. Yes I finished the race but still I'm annoyed at myself for not achieving better. I'm hard on myself I always am as I like to strive to achieve the best who doesn't.

It was frankly embarrassing that I had to walk some of the distance. All the people on the sidelines cheering us on (shouting our names that I'd marker penned onto our t-shirts) were fantastic but I felt like I was cheating by walking a 'running race'. When an honestly inspiring elderly man pushing a disabled boy in a wheelchair over took me that's when I wanted to kick myself up the behind to get running. I felt like a right tool when other people were really pushing themselves but I really couldn't run anymore. My brain wanted me to continue but my stupid legs were having none of it! Frustrated is a clean word to describe myself during the race.

I had realistic expectations, I wasn't going to finish under the hour mark or come in the top 3 on the day, I knew that. I do have realistic aspirations honestly - but hey ho maybe next time, oh yes next time now seems like unobtainable, but I am determined to improve on that time!

The utter determination and honestly the bit of shame I felt today at running badly has pushed me back into fitness again. I haven't been deterred I want to run another race again and prove to myself that I CAN do it!

Anyway back to the race today - it seems like such a long time ago since I staggered round the course!

I was so determined to run the last little bit near Lincoln Castle at the finish point (as I knew there would be a big crowd there and if I'm honest I didn't want to embarrass myself by walking past them all) so I breathed in and ignored the throbbing pain in my legs and foot and I ran the last bit of the race. I'm so glad that I did, the reaction of the crowd and running towards the FINISH sign I was grinning from ear to ear literally! It may have looked more like a grimace but honestly I enjoyed that last little bit I really did!

The finish was amazing. Best feeling ever. Now I know why people run races! Just for the crossing over the finish line and the celebratory 'Well done' from everyone around. And of course the shiny MEDAL! You would not believe how thrilled I am to have a medal to my name, so much so that I'm going to wear it to my uni classes tomorrow. It's beautiful proof that I did complete the race! High 5 me please!




Now I'm going to be very honest with you all who are reading my blog. My finished time was pretty bad. I didn't even finish in the time that I initially wanted (damn my inadequate muscles) but I will tell you that I have improved since my 6.5k that I did 11 years ago (only just mind), I DIDN'T COME LAST!! In fact there were at least 50 odd people who finished after me! So it's taking me 11 years at a time to improve but I'm getting better just slowly!

Here's my running time (to save you time looking for it on the list - I am on there try one of the last pages)

The official time I ran/walked the Lincoln 10k in (that was recorded on my electronic tag thing on my shoe) was...1 hour and 33 minutes!

Please don't applaud me, that's a terrible time! But at least now the only way is down (?!) so next time I'm aiming for a much better time!

I've had my bath, after staggering up the stairs at home - it hurt a lot - and I keep stretching out my legs so that I am not completely seized up tomorrow!

Today's been really fun, as much as I have moaned and worried about the race, I did enjoy myself and I would do it all again - maybe after more training though next time! I would definitely recommend the Lincoln 10k to anybody to do, it's open to all abilities I think I proved that one today, but it's a good one for people who just want to wear silly fancy dress and just have a good time!

Some pictures and videos will be added from the event soon so keep your eyes out you certainly won't be able to miss the vibrant ones of me and my dad!

Pasta Party!

Well I've just been to my first ever pasta party. Don't I sound WILD!

It was just me, my mum/dad/brother eating lots of pasta bake for me to load up on carbohydrates for tomorrows run!

I ate around 1kg (ok more like 200g of pasta but it was ALOT) - this better work. If I wake up with no energy tomorrow morning I may cry and refuse to get out of bed.

Had my final dress rehearsal as well to see what me and my dad will be running in and we honestly look a picture! You won't miss us coming for sure our outfits are blinding!

Right off for an early night now to reserve my energy for that early start in the morning. Eeeekkk!!

This time tomorrow I will have completed my first ever 10k - I still can't believe this is actually happening! Sunday's are meant for a lie-in, relaxing sort of day and here I am donning my trainers and off for a mere 10 kilometre run! This is Insanity personified!

I keep talking as though tomorrow is my execution day and I'm sat here on death row. I keep going 'Right this is my last sleep/meal/shower before tomorrow'(then I pull a grimace face like it will actually be my last day on Earth!)

I pray that it isn't, I don't want to leave this world wearing a tutu, leg warmers and a bright green vest. I do have some dignity left somewhere in me!

Wish me luck! There's no turning back!

DAYS LEFT BEFORE BIG DAY: 0
HOURS LEFT: 22 hours


Oh. Dear. God.

I'm into the Final Countdown and I can't back out now! Panic stations everybody!

Any one got any tips for me? I haven't trained for nearly a week (due to silly cold germs and advice from my dad to save my energy) so what should I be doing with myself today (keep it clean people please!) just relaxing? Doing a final bit of training - maybe hop on my mum's stepper machine to prepare my legs for the brutal slog tomorrow?

Wish me luck everyone, I'm sure going to need it! Think of me at 11am tomorrow morning running around Lincoln City in my tutu/leg warmers/bright green vest! If anything the thought will make you laugh!

Pre-race Jitters!

Oh gosh the countdown now says under 2 days left to go!

I've dug out my leg warmers and got my tutu all preened so I'm ready to go! I am wearing more than just that sorry to disappoint...

My final preparations are in place and one last read of the scary race information - which I probably should have read properly sooner than 2 days before - the nerves are kicking in!

I've seen the weather and apparently it is expected to be sunny with a bit of cloud tomorrow! Perfect running weather, fantastic!

Hopefully this means I will finish in under two and a half hours - which I read in the leaflet is how long the race people give you until to finish before they re-open the roads. Then you run the risk of embarrassingly blocking the road, allowing lots of angry motorists to tell you to "Get the hell out of the road (insert derogatory term here)"

Lets hope this does NOT happen (not to me anyway!)

I still can't believe that I, Sarah, one of the most unfit people ever is running a whole 6 and a bit miles on Sunday. It's insane - I wasn't even forced I CHOSE to do this!!

I've surprised myself at keeping up training and not backing out! My own self-motivation is usually really poor - yes I am always that person working right up until a deadline when I promised myself to have everything done by at least a month before! I will never learn.

But maybe this will be a new learning curve for me (to get all philosophical) and hopefully after Sunday - if I finish, it's still questionable - it will prove to me that I can do things I never expected myself to do!

Last year I got on a plane from France back to London on my very own when I really thought I wouldn't be able to do it without getting lost somewhere in the Channel. Maybe I'm going to become the 'Yes Girl' - Jim Carrey film move aside cos I may be living proof that 'One word can change everything'

Anyway I digress - Jim Carrey films?! Sorry! - I'm just extremely excited (at the prospect of eating a McDonald's?) that my brain isn't functioning adequately!

Also to end on a 'Runners High' (see what I did there!) there is absolutely fantastic news.

Today I reached my £100 fund raising target for Asthma UK - I'm so glad that I got there and before Sunday too. I'm pleased a charity will now definitely benefit from my struggles, this makes me feel good!

Have I done my good deed for the year yet do you think?

Any tips for Saturday for me to calm my nerves and prepare for the 10k slog on Sunday please comment and help me out!

Tips on getting the best running form

With no actual running left to do until Sunday I thought I'd compile a check-list into Running Form from information and tips I have gathered from other runners over these last few months to get me through this 10k!

We all think we know how to run, it can't be that hard surely we have been moving our legs one after each other since we were knee-high to a grasshopper, but there are some rookie mistakes that we can make whilst training/running:


FEET

Let your heels make contact with the ground first when you're running. If your running long distances DO NOT run on your toes this is bad and you could damage your feet if you try to run too many miles on your tippy-toes.

RUNNING LOW

When you are actually running, focus on a object in front of you (a tree/lamp-post/that other runners bottom...) and if the 'object' is moving up and down then apparently you are running too 'vertically' so you need to keep your feet in a straight position and keep your feet low to the ground. This will help stop all that bouncing (girls this advice is crucial, there's only so much a sports bra can do!)

ARMS

Arms need to be relaxed and at 90 degree angles by your side (I expect accuracy so take protractor with you at all times) Relax your arms if you feel yourself getting tense - my favourite is too stretch them out by my side and shake them for 10 seconds to release the tension in my shoulders.

BREATHING

Even from the off when your breathing is ok and you're not struggling ALWAYS breathe through your mouth. It helps get more oxygen into the lungs.

A good tip is to make a pattern when you're breathing. One I use is Breath in in then out out (2 at a time baby yeah!) also breathing to music helps keep a steady rhythm so long as your music isn't Pendulum as you may cause self hyperventilation.

POSTURE

Finally is the posture pose. Gotta get this one right so we don't end up with bad backs/knee's or legs after a run. The Hunchback of Notre Dame look is not in this season so pay careful attention to this section.

BACK

It is vital that you keep your back straight whilst running. I know myself that the temptation to hunch over when you begin to tire is difficult to overcome, but running continually with a straightened back and with your chest slightly sticking out - it will make everything seem more comfortable and fill you with the confidence to finish the race with your head held high (no money back guarantee if this is not your winning formula for you, sorry!)


Give these few tips I have accumulated over my few months of training a go next time you're out on a run! None of these tips have been given to me by doctors - just experienced runners - so obviously they are not miraculous, they are just tips that have worked for me so of course they may not turn you into the next Paula Radcliffe but it's worth giving it a go - I will be on Sunday!

Being average is still an aspiration...

I'm still unfortunately suffering with the common cold, although getting over the worse days slowly but now hopefully I will be phlegm free by Sunday!

I saw the Asthma Nurse today and she informed me that my asthma is actually improving...I don't know if this is good news or not. Yes of course I want my asthma to be improving I've had it for around 18 long years so I deserve a respite but then again what will I have to blame my unfitness on now!

Also I am not doing any more training now before Sunday. Without sounding too much like Michael Jackson (RIP) - THIS IS IT.

My dad/personal trainer told me to relax my body now in preparation for the big day so I'm fresh (and hopefully snot free) on Sunday morning ready to run out those 6 very long miles!

I'm getting very nervous but excited about Sunday. I can't believe how quick it has come round. I thought time was only supposed to fly when you're having fun!?!

Time for some rest and some more cold/flu tablets. I'm starting to rattle when I move now I'm so full of pills to stop this bloody cold demon.

Lets hope it works I'm still aiming for a hour and a half (preferably less) round the course. Lets hope I beat my own goal and be better than average.

Runners Club!

My blog has been added to The Virtual Runner Running Blog under the list of Best Running Blogs

Thank you Jamie - fellow runner and author behind The Virtual Runner, the tips I have found are really helpful and the similarities I'm reading about on other people's blogs in comparison to me are too true!

I'm glad I'm not the only unfit, struggling runner out there. I feel part of an elite society now!

Video from last week!

A quick video of me after I had been running and experienced a Jack Russell trying to bite my ankles! Enjoy!

Running with a cold monster

The cold is striking and there's no where to hide.

My body is 50% made up of orange juice at the minute. I'm sure my skin has a orangey glow to it. So great not only do I have a snotty nose but the look of a 15 year old chav with a bad fake tan as well. Wow someone up there loves me...

The annoying thing is one month ago I would have loved to have an excuse not to go outside and run at all, but now 6 days before my run I wake up feeling like death with a lack of motivation similar to a dog not wanting to go to the Vets.

This is a vicious cycle as I think running outside in the cold/rain/sleet over these last few weeks has sent my immune system into despair and has struck me down with a dreaded cold.

Tissues and Olbas Oil: Check

I've grudgingly given myself the day off today in order to let my anti-bodies KILL off those pesky cold germs.

I hope this works as I've planned to go swimming tomorrow where I plan to do at least 30 lengths to warm up my body for Sunday.

I may not want to unwrap myself from my dressing gown let alone parade around in a cossie tomorrow. We shall see anyway, just thought I'd update y'all about the running that sadly hasn't occurred today.

1 WEEK TO GO!!!

1 WEEK TO GO! I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW FAST IT HAS COME AROUND!!!

Ok, I'll stop shouting at you now, I'm just incredibly nervous/excited/happy/emotional!

Alas to bring down my peak of good spirits, I have been feeling a tad under the weather today and after sneezing several times I don't feel too good. Fantastic, cheers immune system. Time to hit the Orange juice, vitamin tablets, cold and flu tablets - anything I can throw at myself to bang this cold on the head before it begins!

I don't want to run next week if I'm all dribbly and having to run with a box of tissues. Bath and bed will seem more appealing!

Just when things were going to plan something blows it out of the water but being all philosophical 'That's life.'

Anyway standard moaning out of the way and back to telling you about my progress today, with training hours slowly diminishing before my very eyes (I regret the decision to put a countdown on my blog) I've got to keep going and plough through with this last big push this week.

I really pushed myself today and I once I got running I imagined what it would be like next Sunday resulting in me nearly tripped over my 'Puma' trainers and into the lake! Blooming heck! 6 miles is a LONG way! I only mostly ran, walked a bit of a feeble 2 and a bit miles today! Next weekend is gunna be a killer!

But as for today's poor performance (I wanted to do at least 3 miles) I'm partially going to blame me feeling a bit off today to not doing as far as I hoped.



The run was quite pleasant though in the March sunshine. Running past small dogs wearing coats and seeing a dog sat inside one of those trailer type things that are attached to their parents bikes, that kids usually sit in! It made me chuckle as I dodged past them and the kids on roller-blades and bikes and the fishermen...Ooh that reminds me that I still need to invest in a new bike and roller-skates!

This fitness malarkey is going to my head, I think I've gone back to being a 10 year old - I'm going to save up my pocket money for one of those bikes with a basket and streamers hanging from the handle bars I will look so COOL! They do them in adult sizes right? Don't burst my bubble please!!

Sorry my attention span isn't with it tonight - running, dogs and now bikes! So I'm off to relax, load myself up with cold tablets and order a Swedish Masseuse for next weekend after the run! Bye!

Warm up, cool down!

Here's some pictures of me doing some VITAL warm-up and stretches that I do at the end of a run!

These are a few that my Dad told me to do and so far (touch wood) they have really helped to ensure I'm not suffering from stiff muscles the next day!

These stretches are to help my thighs (no rude comments please!)





Then onto these one's (I don't technical terms sorry) to help my calves (that's my LEGS not cows!)




Then with the one that I find difficult - the standing on one leg stretch, I actually managed to stay still without dancing around trying not to fall over for a change!



And last but not least - the lean against a tree (in my case) pose. This one's the best as you can lean against something when you feel like you're going to collapse at the end of running!

Pressure, pushing down on me!

After an un-scheduled day off yesterday (due to too much cheap Portuguese wine the night before- my body is clearly not a temple!) I thought I'd better get back to training again today.

I took my good friend Becky (a highly skilled photographer - who totally did not pay me to say this) and got some snaps of me running/stretching, oh and a few of the ducks/squirrels/robins we saw along the way we can't resist some pretty animal pics!

So now I have photographic evidence that I HAVE been training!

(Slideshow to be added soon)

Ran about a mile again today on a very cold bleak day in Staffordshire and it felt okay. After running for a few minutes so Becky could take some pictures I had to stop for a few mins to catch my breath as per, but then I felt strong enough to continue running again!

A few weeks ago when I had the lung capacity of around 3% and the fitness levels of an obese 50 year-old, I would have ran a few hundred metres, stopped, collapsed on a bench and definitely not re-started.

So at last I see some progress in my fitness levels. It was shameful when I couldn't walk up stairs without getting out of puff but now give me a flight of stairs over a lift any day!

I started running not just so I had something to write my blog on, but so that I would become a lot more fitter in myself. I didn't plan on losing any weight I just wanted to tone my legs (like every 21 year-old does) and feel better about myself. And I do. I never thought I would ever be singing 'Exercises' praises but there you go, trying something new can be a good thing (if you skip through all the moaning/pain I've mentioned on here, it had to be done I'm sorry!)

Wow that was quite deep for a Friday afternoon, maybe it's all those endorphins running through my blood still who knows.

With the days dwindling away, I'm psyching myself up for the big day and the promise of a McDonald's (courtesy of my dad) when I complete the race. It's the simple things in life I love and yes food is up there at the top of my list...

The pressure is ON now and I like it, keeps me going and not humiliate myself by not finishing the race!

I've been raising money, running and finding time to write this blog!

There is a slight chance that I could be SuperWoman!

Feeling the burn!

My calves are killing me.

Pushing myself yesterday to run that half a mile more has taken it out of me. Usual places of ache - thighs, feet even bottom - are absolutely fine. It's just my lower legs that are feeling the burn.

Any tips to make sure troublesome calves don't stop me in my tracks? Better stretches maybe, comment me and help me out!

A woman pushing pension age even passed me on the library stairs as I crawled up them looking like a OAP with not enough pension to afford a Stannah stair lift.

Ouch

Day off from training today then, although I don't know if this is wise with the race in (checks countdown) yep 11 days! Oh dear.

I've planned out the rest of the weeks worth of training though...

Swimming tomorrow
Running on Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Sundays off (hurray!)

Also I have a new area to run in that is handily or stupidly a 3 mile loop and it means running on main roads which I don't like to do as it means people in cars are watching and that concept just freaks me out, makes me tense and generally loathe running all together.

Yes, yes I do know that the race in Lincoln is running on main roads and in front of thousands of people. But it's fine I will suck it up then and just 'Run, Forrest! Run!'

Also the new running route goes temptingly past a KFC and McDonald's. I'm like a donkey with a carrot dangling in front of my face. The prospect of a fast-food meal when the 10k is over is keeping me going!

Those 4 lbs I have lost since beginning running/not eating crisps and chocolate will be straight back on after eating just a kid's meal at Maccy's. It will be totally worth it though.

Whiskey? No thank you I'd rather have tea

2 weeks till the race!! Where on earth has the time gone!!

If the weather is as sunny as it is today I'll be a happy runner! Rain? I'll be a grumpy moany horrible runner, my dad will definitely run on without me this time if i moan so I gotta suck it up and not be miserable on R-day (race day)

The nerves are beginning to kick in now as I'm on the last bit of countdown. My doubts about not completing the race have pretty much gone, the adrenalin and excitement have taken over!

I ran around 2 miles today in training as well - not all at once I'll admit but still I didn't stop too many times just once or thrice after I could no longer breathe and when I got cramp in my little toe.

I got a twinge in my ankle again - in the same place as before - but again it wore off after a few minutes of hobbling round the lake so who knows what it is but I hope it goes away I don't want injury getting in the way of my running!

Lots of friendly people out walking/feeding ducks/steering toy boats on the lake. I like it when they say 'Hi/Morning/What you got in that bottle- whiskey?' to me.
It spurs me on and makes me keep going. Mainly because I don't want to stop when they can still see me running in front of them and they know I only set off running just before I over-took them and their judging me!

Thank goodness for running round a lake - as soon as I get round a corner I come to a grinding halt. Although i forget that the track around the lake is quite exposed and wearing a purple hoody to go training in makes me more visible than a fox wearing a fluorescent jacket. I don't know stick with me please, I think my sugar levels may be a bit low.

It gets more embarrassing though when other runners jog past me several times when I'm still walking catching my breath, and the look in their eyes of 'Oh look she's still walking' bore into me.

I just stare straight back. Even the best runners (even my dad) have to stop sometimes to catch their breath back we are not all competing to be the next Usain Bolt so HA!

Ahem, sorry I'm not in the least bit jealous at all. Honest...

Time to go snack on some cardboard, sorry flapjack and maybe have a cuppa too - I've only had 3 cups today, I'm a northerner, my body's made up of 70% tea.

I was very tempted to go sit in this new cafe that's opened where I run that looks out onto the Lake and watch Stoke-on-Trent inhabitants go by. But somehow I don't think sitting in there for a hour pretending I ran 2 miles is going to help me in 14 days.

Do you think I can run with a flask of tea on the day of the 10k or request a nice brew to be waiting for me on one of the drinks tables half way round?

Don't answer that.

Here's some video footage from last week when I ran in the rain. Well it's of me reflecting on the run when I was safely back in my dry warm car, I couldn't have my phone getting wet! Enjoy! More to be added soon!

A runners breakfast?

Now with race day looming and to tie in with my previous post about Stitch and not being able to eat for up to 3 hours before running. The big question I'm putting to you is what do I do about food on race day?

The 10k begins at 11am, and obviously I will have to eat before so I don't collapse, but what should I be eating at 7.30/8am on that morning to give me enough energy to last right through till at least 1.30pm (when I hope to finish)?

Any one got any suggestions? Maybe porridge and banana? Cereal bars?

Let me know what you eat before a long day/exercise to give you that all important energy boost! I need as much energy as I can get to get round the course. Help me!

To sew a stitch

Stitch. A pain in the...

Hang on actually what is 'Stitch' exactly? And I don't mean in sewing or knitting or the cute Disney character.



I mean the god-awful feeling that a part of your stomach is about to explode and you can't go on any further. Well that's how I feel anyway when i keep getting blighted by this weird phenomenon on my runs.

Now to get all medical to explain this problem that everyone has suffered with. It's pretty squeamish even I shuddered!

"Stitch is actually caused by the gut "tugging" on the ligaments connecting it to the diaphragm."

Gross isn't it, diaphragms being pushed beyond their limits and oh great there isn't a cure!

I only began getting stitch when I first began running, apparently this is normal for exercise newbies. It used to stop me in my tracks and it gave me something else to moan about when running - someone needs to give me a break.

But now I have been stitch free for two weeks when I go running (pause for clapping) as I found my own way of getting around the dreaded ailment.

My cure is not eating up to 3 hours before a run. This is difficult I know but it works honestly. I also drink plenty of water usually taking a gulp every 5 minutes when running (this is also to stop me passing out from lack of oxygen/food) and finally if I feel a stitch coming on I try 'Belly Breathing' (stop laughing!) inhaling whilst pushing out my stomach and when exhaling relaxing my stomach muscles.

There you go 3 easy steps to beat Stitch - I'm beginning to sound just like a fitness instructor - Rosemary Conley/Mr Motivator step aside!

Taking the embarassing factor to whole new levels!

Right I have decided to run in fancy dress during the run in 17 days time and I need some suggestions for costumes (baring in mind I have to wear a vest for the charity I'm running for so I can't really cover it up so will have to work around it.)

Any suggestions or if anyone is willing to lend me a costume - the sillier the better that would be fantastic! I'm going to look daft enough as it is, panting my way round the course, so I might as well look even funnier!

I have a tutu already and some rave gear and seen as my t-shirt for Asthma UK is a fetching lime green I'm thinking maybe to go for the electric rave sort of style!



That's me on the right wearing the home-made tutu last year on a night out!

Comment me your thoughts and ideas everyone! Lets make this 10k one to remember (or curse that I ever did it!)

If swimming is so good for your figure, how do you explain whales?

As part of my training diet I decided to throw in a swimming session today to help my general fitness!

And I had a whale of a time (geddit whale, water? Oh never mind!) Swimming has always been one of my favourite physical activities, I am a self confessed water baby and this morning I managed to swim 24 lengths of the pool which is about half a mile.

Panic as 24 lengths seemed so far and I was genuinely surprised to find out it was actually quite a short distance when compared to what I have been running. Remembering that I will be running 6.2 miles in under 3 weeks gave me a familiar sinking feeling. The butterflies have begun.
Your looking at the equivalant of around 300 lengths in a swimming pool to match the distance my poor legs are going to be put through.
Why didn't I chose to write a blog about swimming the channel or something, I could have totally done that! Well actually come to think about it, I adore swimming but not that much.

Running on dry land wearing warm clothes vs. Swimming across freezing choppy water with possibility of sharks/squid/jellyfish (Okay I know there isn't all of them in the English Channel but still...)- there's no competition really!

Anyway moving on from aquatic activities and back to the running! I now have my running number for the race how exciting! Lets hope that number 3490 is a lucky number for me!



I also now have a fetching green vest Asthma UK sent for me!





Knowing I'm raising some well deserved pennies for them is keeping me going! Time to plug my JustGiving page! Please sponsor me everyone even if it's just 10p!

Tomorrow is back to dry land training for me. I'm keeping up the swimming it can only improve my rubbish fitness levels which my body desperately needs a boost of!

Lets see if I can break the mile mark with zero injuries!

P.S. The title of this blog post: answers on a postcard please!

The Sun is Shining, the Grass is Green...

I was a bit miserable in my last post wasn't I, sorry about that.

We have now entered race month and positive thoughts are flowing my way I'm psyching myself up in preparation!

FINALLY we have sunshine! Hallelujah! No more ice patches or frozen faces, gotta love springtime!

They say that sunshine makes people feel happier and it really does, I stuck some feel good songs on my iPod and set off for a run this afternoon.

I took a friends advice and decided to test the Interval Training theory.
I ran as fast as I could for around half a mile then I walked for the other half a mile and then jogged for a further mile! It worked, I have hit a break-through point - hurray I hear you all cry!

(WARNING HERE COMES THE CONVENTIONAL MOANING PART AGAIN!)

Until (Sorry I can't possibly write a post without some form of moaning in there it would be rude not too)...

I injured myself. Not sure what it was but I got a sharp pain on my ankle bone (the one on the inside of my leg - don't ask for a medical term cos I ain't no doctor) and I had to stop. The pain came in waves when i pressed the heel of my foot onto the ground. I carried on walking to see if it would wear off and it did!

Some medical miracle came upon me (well after walking half a mile on my tiptoes) and the pain disappeared so I have no idea if this is good or bad? But for now I'm accepting that my ankle is ok - phew!

Putting my sensible cap on though I shall be wary of the ankle when out running don't worry. I know I can over-react sometimes, like that time when I thought I had Swine Flu cos I sneezed 3 times in a row; but I will have my mum (an ex-nurse) on standby with her Dr. Miriam Stoppard's medical book to query any twinge I get. It's the hypochondriac's Bible!
Another plus side from today is that my rubbing from my trainers that I thought was a blister (as mentioned in my last post) is not actually a blister it's all disappeared! Fingers crossed I won't get no more, I'm bedding my trainers in by walking round my room in them and dancing to a bit of Beyonce that should do the trick!

I've got the spring back into my step - literally! Roll on next training sesh for I am one happy chappy!